Holly’s family extend heartfelt thanks as community rallies in support

"THANK-you from the bottom of our hearts."
Those are the words of the family of a young Strabane girl who was diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening blood condition earlier this year.
Claire and Gareth Gormley, parents of 11-year-old Holly, spoke of their gratitude to the wider Strabane community who have continued to support them through the most difficult of times.
Holly, a Year 7 pupil at St Catherine's Primary School in Strabane - where her mum also teaches - was diagnosed with aplastic anaemia earlier this year, a condition that occurs when the body stops producing enough new red blood cells.
Symptoms range from fatigue to susceptibility to infections and blood loss.
Holly is currently awaiting a bone marrow transplant and had hoped to travel to Newcastle tomorrow in preparation for the procedure, but that has now been delayed.
The community of Strabane came together recently for a special event in her honour - 'An Evening for Holly' - featuring song and dance in a show of solidarity with Holly and her family.
It also raised much-needed funds for the Haematology and Oncology Ward in the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children who have helped so many children and families.
The event was organised by the Class Act Theatre Group, of which Holly is an active and talented member.
Also taking part were classmates of Holly who held her name aloft on coloured posters during a performance by the school choir.
Holly's auntie, Geraldine, opened the event by saying a few words on behalf of Holly's parents.
"They regrettably cannot be here to share this wonderful gathering of support and talent in honour of Holly but the family are watching at home on the webcam," she said.
"Due to the nature of Holly's condition, she is extremely vulnerable and susceptible to viruses and infection.
"The family is essentially isolating as they await travel to Newcastle for Holly's bone marrow transport.
"They were due to travel to Newcastle on Thursday, April 27 in preparation for transplant scheduled for May 11, but unfortunately they received news on Thursday that this has been delayed.
"Holly was diagnosed on February 2 with severe aplastic anaemia with the added complication of PNH.
"This was a huge shock to the family as it was essentially out of the blue.
"Holly has always been an active, fun-loving 11-year-old girl.
“She loved school, her Class Act drama group and is a member of Lifford Strabane Athletics.
"Aplastic anaemia is a condition that occurs when your body stops producing enough new blood cells.
"The condition leaves you fatigued and more prone to infections and uncontrolled bleeding, and can develop at any age.
"PNH is a disease of the blood. It is characterised by destruction of red blood cells, blood clots and impaired bone marrow function.
"Essentially Holly's bone marrow, which is the body's factory for making blood, isn't working properly and therefore a bone marrow transplant is needed
"Holly requires regular blood and platelet transfusions and IV antibiotics which she receives at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children Haematology Department.
"They (the family) would like me to convey firstly, their utmost gratitude and love for this entire community who have given their love, support and prayers at this very challenging time."
Numerous fundraising events have taken place since Holly's diagnosis to raise money for stem cell charity, The Anthony Nolan Trust and the hospital.
Geraldine also relayed a message on behalf of Holly's mummy in which she expressed the family's thanks to all those who have supported them.
It stated: "We as a family are blessed, humbled and proud to be members of the community of Strabane.
"Your love, support and care has been overwhelming and very much appreciated.
"We would like to thank so many.
“Firstly, our community near and far who have generously donated to the fundraising events for the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children Haematology and Oncology Departments, and to The Anthony Nolan Foundation.
"To Tracey, Ursula and the Bejeweled at Soul team, Sandra Devenney, Aisling O'Neill and all the team at McElhinney's, Ballybofey, Mrs Gaye Kerr from Angel Wishes charity, Mrs Bridget Wilders, staff, pupils and parents of St Catherine's Primary School and Nursery Unit, Colette Downey, Village Inn, Donemana, Maoliosa Duffy, Western Trust Supported Living Stable Yard Apartments, REACH programme, LCDI Limavady and Auntie Ann's Bakery, Newbuildings.
"(To) Father Boland who is a constant source of strength and support, Marie Browne and Holy Cross College for organising a recruitment drive for The Anthony Nolan Foundation which resulted in 185 pupils signing up to become lifesavers - the highest recruitment from any school in Northern Ireland.
"To all the members of our community who took it upon themselves to register to become stem cell donors and to Leah McCay and the entire Class Act Theatre Theatre Group who have raised much-appreciated funds for the charity culminating in the organisation of this amazing evening of local talent for everyone to enjoy in honour of Holly.
"A huge thanks to all the acts performing who have given of their time to support us and our daughter, Holly, and to Holly's wee friends who have kept her going throughout this journey.
"We hope everyone enjoys this evening of amazing talent from our wonderful town.
"It only remains for us to say again, thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
“God Bless. Lots of love, Claire, Gareth, JD and Holly."